These are referred to as "tool marks" - and this article is on an apparently successful effort to construct a database of these which can be expanded nationwide. The article is all about the mechanics of establishing a standard for cataloging these in a data base and on initial efforts to bring in data.
The forensics and the reliability are barely mentioned. Important questions such as how the fingerprints change over the life of the firearm (e.g. wear and tear on the barrel, or even barrel replacement) aren't covered. However I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot more attention paid in the near future to acquiring such data and using it in investigations. http://www.ien.com/product-development/blog/20828760/building-a-firearms-toolmark-database --henry schaffer
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